Little Durham offers children aged 1 to 2 a safe, joyful, and nurturing start to their school journey. In an environment that feels like a home away from home, our caring teachers lead engaging, age-appropriate activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Through play and social interaction, children begin developing the essential early skills that form the foundation for a love of lifelong learning. Each day brings a varied and thoughtfully balanced programme that blends fun, discovery, and gentle introduction to learning and development principles.
By encouraging social and emotional development, Little Durham lays the foundation for your child’s future education and builds ‘Confidence for Life!’
Our Early Years curriculum at Durham International School follows the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework, giving every child a clear, supportive pathway for learning and growth. It’s designed to make sure children progress at their own pace, while meeting age-appropriate milestones in a fun and engaging way.
The framework has seven areas of learning and development, starting with three ‘prime areas’ - the building blocks for everything else:
helping children develop listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
improving coordination, movement, and self-care, while encouraging healthy habits.
building confidence, resilience, and strong, positive relationships.
Development in these three foundational areas is essential for children to effectively engage with and progress in the four ‘specific areas’ of development:
Together, these areas ensure every child develops the skills, curiosity, and confidence they need for a lifelong love of learning.
At Durham International School, we believe that school should be a fun, exciting, and inspiring place to learn. Our youngest learners build the foundations for future success though a creative and engaging curriculum, guided by the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the English National Curriculum.
Learning happens everywhere - both in the classroom and outdoors - encouraging curiosity, imagination, and a love of discovery while supporting children’s physical and emotional development.
We place great importance on kindness, respect, good manners, and care for others, as these values lie at the heart of our school community. Every child is unique, and our child-centred approach celebrates their individual talents, interests, and personalities, helping them grow in confidence and joy as learners - developing ‘Confidence for Life’.
Our teaching staff are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence through warm positive relationships. Little Durham provides the foundation for a love of lifelong learning by encouraging the development of positive educational and social skills that children will master as they grow.
There are many benefits to giving your child a head-start in their school journey. Sending your child to Little Durham will foster:
We fully understand how important the decision is when choosing your child’s school and we are committed to ensuring that their first experience of education is one filled with happiness and learning.
Please contact our friendly Admissions Team to make an appointment to visit our school.
